Gardening 101 Day 19: Easy How-to grow your own Ginger root!

“Growing your own food may be one of the most powerful steps you can take for the health of yourself, your family, and your planet.” ― Lindsay Oberst (foodrevolution.org)

Did you know you could grow ginger root? Well, you sure can and it is super easy to do. I found this information provided by Penn State Extension and had to share it with all of you. I’ve also included a few recipes to use with your ginger root!

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Let me know if you’ve ever grown your own, and how it worked out in the comments below! I love your feedback.

How to start your ginger indoors!

What is ginger anyway? Ginger is a subtropical plant which requires a longer growing season to reach maturity. If you live in the Midwest or any other area that has a harsh winter, you will need to start your ginger indoors and bring it in over the cold winter months. It is essential to start your ginger root indoors a couple of months before it can be planted outdoors. You can keep it in a container, or grow it in the ground.

Follow these easy steps to grow your own ginger root:

Preparing the ginger for planting:

Cut ginger root into 3-inch pieces, ensuring each contains at least three growth buds.

Allow pieces to callous over for a week before planting.

Choose a good potting mix & container:

I recommend using an organic potting soil with some type of moisture control if possible. You will need a container with a water tray. A great option is a large mixed greens plastic container. You can use the lid as the watering tray and they are the perfect depth to plant your ginger root.

Spread the soil in the container so that it is uniformly 3 inches deep and lay the ginger pieces horizontally on top.

Bury the ginger root:

Cover with an additional inch of soil.

Caring for your ginger root:

Water from the bottom every five to seven days until sprouts emerge. Then water enough to keep the soil moist but not wet.

After sprouts emerge, use a seedling heating pad and grow light to provide the necessary warmth and 16 to 18 hours of light required to get ginger established.

How to prepare & plant your ginger outdoors.

After the danger of frost has passed and the temperature at night is consistently above 40 F, ginger can be transplanted outdoors. Follow these steps:

Harden off plants for five days to prepare for outdoor planting.
Choose a sunny site with loose, loamy, well-drained soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. You may also grow ginger in containers if soil conditions are not favorable.
Dig a shallow trench and plant ginger 3 inches deep and 12 inches apart so that sprouts are visible just above the soil. If you choose containers, plant each plant in a container with a 12-inch diameter or larger.
When new shoots form or the pink shoulders of ginger are visible, hill your plants (pile more soil around the base of each shoot) with an inch of soil and add a granular fertilizer.
Water plants two to three times a week, soaking them deeply.

Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is sometimes called ginger water and it wonderful for the stomach or gut. It is, quite simply, hot water infused with fresh ginger. It has a bit of spice which is easily adjusted by adding more ginger or letting it steep longer. Adding honey adds the final touch to make this tea a favorite for all.

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 TBSP freshly grated or sliced ginger root
4 cups spring water
1 TBSP fresh lime juice
1 to 2 TBSP local honey, to taste

1. Peel your fresh ginger and slice it as thin as you can to maximize the surface area. This will ensure a very flavorful ginger tea.

PRO TIP: Use the large slicer side of a 4 sided cheese grater.

2. In a medium sized pot, add the water and ginger; bring to a boil for at least 10 minutes. For a stronger and tangier tea, allow to boil for 20 minutes or more, and use more slices of ginger.

3. Remove tea from the heat, strain, and add the lime juice and honey to taste.

Dijon Ginger Dressing

This zesty dressing will make any salad better. You can use it as a marinade for chicken as well!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 ½ TBSP grated ginger, lightly packed
2 TBSP white wine vinegar
1 TBSP your favorite Dijon mustard
1 TBSP honey
½ cup safflower or canola oil
¼ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp pink Himalayan salt

Peel your ginger and grate it finely
Blend all ingredients in a small blender or immersion blender.
Store refrigerated for up to 1 week.

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

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Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats in either a spiral bound soft cover OR NEW, a Downloadable PDF version. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a happy day,

Jean

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Resources

Penn State Extension

Gardening 101 Day 18 Part 2~ How to Create a Vegetable Container Garden YOUTUBE VIDEO

Featured | Posted by Jean Roman

“I love things that are indescribable, like the taste of an avocado or the smell of a gardenia. ” Barbra Streisand

Welcome to Day 18 of my Gardening 101 Part 2 on how-to create a container garden. In Part 1 I discussed how to create an herb container garden, today let’s look at how to incorporate veggies into containers.

Many of the elements will be similar, especially in the types of containers, making this post a bit shorter. If you missed Part 1, just jump on over for an informative recap!

If you are a novice gardener you may be wondering how you can grow veggies in containers. You may be an experienced gardener who is considering the option of moving your veggies from a standard tillable garden to downsize or just utilize space more effectively.

If you’ve been eyeing up container gardening lately, then you’re probably wondering what it has to offer you. After all, growing in a garden doesn’t really work like that. As you all know I am a huge advocate for container and raised bed gardening. Raised beds are in reality just another form of containers, as I showed in Part 1. You can grow herbs and vegetables in a standard tillable garden, but that type of gardening takes so much more effort and planning. With container gardening, everything becomes simpler and more accessible than it is with other methods.

If you missed my two part series on the benefits of raised bed gardening, click these links. Part 1 and Part 2.

Have you been wondering how to get started with a vegetable garden, or just want to be able to grow your own vegetables at home? Well, a vegetable container garden might be just the answer you’re looking for. A vegetable container garden is essentially an easy way to extend the space of your yard so you can grow plants more effectively.

With this guide, I’ll be showing you everything you need to know about creating successful container gardens as well as the many benefits they have to offer. After reading through the following tips, you will understand why having a container garden is one of the best ways to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables all year round.

If you enjoyed this blog, please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

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If you aren’t following me on Facebook & Instagram go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

Added bonus: You can go to my blog at http://www.fordragonfliesandme.com to purchase my original cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats. The cookbook has almost 1000 recipes on almost 500 pages! Check out the Cookbook Testimonials while you’re there!

Until next time remember to,
Eat fresh, shop local & have a happy day,

Jean

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All text and images on this site are copyright of For Dragonflies And Me. Unless otherwise noted, you may not use this content.

Have you checked out my NEW YouTube Channel yet?

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Jean Roman

Jean is trying to grow her Subscriber base there, so please stop over and join her as she shares incredible content only found there! Don’t miss out friends! SUBSCRIBE HERE!

Jean Roman is a mother of six, published author, Podcaster, YouTuber, organic gardener, organizational guru, and influencer. A self-professed master gardener with over twenty years experience, she loves to write and teach about her passion and knowledge in organic gardening, the local food movement, food preparation & preservation.

Jean spent fifteen years as a Mennonite where she co-authored her cookbook, Lovingly Seasoned Eats and Treats. Selling over twenty-thousand copies throughout the US & Canada, the book is cherished by many. Roman recently started her Podcast, sister to her blog. In addition to chatting about her beloved topics including gardening, cooking, & organization she shares topics including healthy lifestyles & entrepreneurship. Jean brings experts in these fields and shares a combined knowledge with her listeners.

The NEW sister, her YouTube channel is filled with great content including recipes, easy & fun how-to projects, gardening tutorials all only seen there! You can also listen to all of her Podcasts there!

Thanks in advance friends,
Until next time remember to eat fresh, shop local, and have a happy day!
Jean

Gardening 101 Day 7: How-to Compost & its Benefits for Gardeners

Posted on February 16, 2023 by Jean Roman

“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace. ” May Sarton

As spring draws nearer, a gardener’s mind races thinking of all that will need to be done to prepare for the garden. Whether you are flower or vegetable gardening or both, composting has so many benefits.

While we were on the farm we always had several compost piles going. Any damaged produce we couldn’t use for market either went to our pigs and chickens or into the compost piles. Also, any produce left from either the farmers markets and what I couldn’t put up for my family went into our compost piles. Later I used this in all of my raised beds for the added environmental, & nutritional value.

Let’s Compost!

What is composting?

Composting is simply the natural process of breaking down organic matter including food scraps and yard waste. What you get in return is a nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost. This process greatly improves the health and fertility of your garden soil.

PRO TIP: When using kitchen scraps it is important to only use items such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grains, and eggshells. Do not add any animal fats or meats as these will indeed draw unwanted pests. See my chart below for do’s and don’ts.

How do I start composting?

In order to begin composting, you’ll need an area designated for either a compost pile or a bin. The bin can be purchased or hand made, and the pile can be as simple as a corner of your yard. You may want to consider an enclosed bin in order to keep those nasty critters out, especially if you are in the city or a subdivision. Enclosed bins also help to keep in heat and moisture making the process quicker.

The key to successful composting is simple. You will need to keep a balance of carbon-rich materials, such as dried leaves and twigs, along with nitrogen-rich materials, such as grass clippings and kitchen scraps. A good ratio to aim for is about 30:1 carbon to nitrogen.

What do I do once I have my bin or pile area chosen?

Once you have your bin or pile set up, you’ll begin adding materials to it. Start with a layer of dried leaves, small twigs or branches you’ve collected from your yard, and/or straw. A mixture of all three is a great way to start adding carbon rich materials. If you have a fireplace where you only burn wood, you can also use your wood ash here

Next you’ll add some nitrogen-rich materials, such as grass clippings or kitchen scraps. Keep adding layers, alternating between carbon and nitrogen materials, until the bin or pile is full. As you add materials, be sure to keep the compost damp but not waterlogged, and turn the pile every few weeks to help aerate it and speed up the decomposition process. You can use a pitch fork to turn your pile, unless you have a bin that you can turn with a built-in handle.

PRO TIP: You can add your kitchen scraps to the pile or bin all winter long as well.

When can I start to use my compost?

You must be patient, composting is not for the faint of heart or one (like myself) that enjoys instant gratification. Composting, like gardening, has definitely helped me learn the art of patience. Well, at least outside 😉

It will take several months for the materials in your compost bin or pile to break down into a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling soil amendment ready for use. This is your finished product, the fruits of your labor. Now, it is ready to be used in your garden.

What are the benefits to composting?

Where do I begin as there are so many! First, compost improves your soil structure, fertility while increasing water retention in soil which allows plants to grow stronger and healthier. In addition, composting helps reduce the need for chemical fertilizers due to the organic nutrients naturally created by the process of composting.

Compost also contains beneficial microorganisms which aid in suppressing plant diseases and pests.

How do I use my compost in my gardens?

It’s so easy! Simply spread a 2 inch layer of your fresh compost over the surface of the soil and work it in with a rake or trowel. You can also mix it into the soil when planting new beds or adding new plants to existing beds.

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PRO TIP: Compost also makes an incredible fertilizer by making it into a compost tea! All you have to do is take your finished compost and steep it in water for about 24 hours. Strain the compost using a colander and then water your plants. You can use the strained compost and put it back into your pile or bin, or simply toss it in your garden! Easy peasy!

I certainly hope you are encouraged & excited to start your own compost pile or bin. Even if you start with just a compost bucket, only that’s a great start!

Don’t be dismayed if you don’t have a yard to garden in, container gardening is a great alternative.

If you enjoyed this blog , please LIKE, Follow, Share & leave me a comment! I love your feedback!

If you aren’t following me on Facebook or Instagram, go on over & give a LIKE & Follow me for daily tips & tricks for your home & garden!

Happy Day,
Jean